Some of the challenges facing America today include the division and riots in various places, understanding the 2020 presidential election, the current pandemic, and the economy.
The best way to understand these challenges is to consult the Bible to determine the basis of such issues.
Presently our nation is extremely divided. But the division is not liberalism vs. conservatism, nor is it black vs. white, nor free vs. slave, nor any other seemingly divisive issue.
The Bible reveals that the major divisive issue in our nation is whether our individual citizenship is of the Kingdom of God, or otherwise.
Let’s consult the Bible to see what it teaches relative to divisiveness, and its basis.
To begin with, we’ll confirm what the division in America is not.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
Thus, all mankind is equal in God’s eyes. Then what causes the division in our nation, and what is its source?
Jesus provided the answer.
“Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division.” Luke 12:51
“…I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law…” Matthew 10:34-35
The division is the result of a man’s priorities, i.e. does he follow Christ and His teachings, or does he attempt to go through life on his own wisdom. Is he willing to commit his all to Christ, or does he choose to do it his way.
The apostle John reiterated that Jesus was the source of division. The more Jesus taught and performed miracles, the more division He caused.
“So there was division among the people because of Him.” John 7:43
“Therefore some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God…’ and there was a division among them.” John 9:16
“Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings, And many of them said, ‘He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?’” John 10:19-20
Well anyway, divisiveness in our nation has led to numerous riots in various locations.
Riots are definitely not new.
Recall when Jesus was delivered by the Jews to Pilate.
The Jews demanded that Jesus be put to death; however, Pilate could not find any reason to have Jesus killed.
“From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying ‘If you let this man go you are not Caesar’s friend…’” John 19:12
The division was all about Jesus. Pilate gave in to something he knew wasn’t right to pacify the crowd and prevent a riot.
Matthew summed up the matter succinctly.
“When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising… ( he said) ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just person…’” Matthew 27:24
Mark also commented on the matter.
“So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus…to be crucified.” Mark 15:15
Then there was an uproar that arose in Ephesus about the ‘Way’ (Christianity). The reason for the uproar was Paul’s teaching of Christ, while dismissing idols.
Paul’s teaching upset the craftsmen who made their living making shrines of the goddess Diana.
“Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath…Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.” Acts 19:28, 32
Several hours later the craftsmen were assured by the city clerk of Ephesus that Diana was still prominent and the craftsmen could pursue legal means to settle any dispute instead of rioting.
So as not to upset Roman authority, the city clerk announced:
“For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” Acts 19:40
These divisions and accompanying riots were based on Christ and His teaching.
Nothing has changed.